Planet Terror (2007)

Here's a two-paragraph description for *Planet Terror (2007)*, followed by an explanation of its place on a "Best Robert Rodriguez Movies" list: *Planet Terror* plunges viewers into a nightmare scenario where two doctors find their graveyard shift inundated with townspeople ravaged by mysterious, grotesque sores. Among the wounded is Cherry, a dancer whose leg was horrifically ripped from her body. As the invalids quickly become enraged aggressors, the initial medical emergency rapidly escalates into a full-blown zombie apocalypse, forcing the survivors into a desperate fight for their lives. With the town overrun, Cherry and her ex-boyfriend Wray, along with a motley crew of accidental warriors, lead a desperate charge into the night. But *Planet Terror* is far more than just a zombie outbreak film; it's a glorious, blood-soaked homage to exploitation cinema. As one half of the *Grindhouse* double feature, Robert Rodriguez crafts an unapologetic love letter to drive-in schlock, complete with intentionally distressed film grain, missing reels, and cigarette burns. Expect relentless, over-the-top practical gore, darkly comedic dialogue, and a parade of eccentric characters – most notably Rose McGowan’s Cherry Darling, who transforms into an unstoppable, machine-gun-legged warrior in a truly iconic turn. *** **Why it Belongs on "Best Robert Rodriguez Movies":** *Planet Terror* earns its spot on a "Best Robert Rodriguez Movies" list precisely because it's a distilled essence of his filmmaking identity and a masterclass in his unique style. As the brainchild of the *Grindhouse* project, the film serves as Rodriguez's ultimate love letter to the B-movies and exploitation cinema that clearly shaped him, demonstrating his deep genre knowledge and his ability to replicate and elevate its tropes. It masterfully blends his signature elements: a relentless, high-octane pace, gloriously practical and over-the-top gore, a cast of quirky and memorable characters (led by the iconic, machine-gun-legged Cherry Darling), and a distinctive visual style that embraces intentional imperfections like film scratches and 'missing reels' to evoke a specific era of cinema. More than just a zombie film, *Planet Terror* showcases Rodriguez's unique ability to craft a visceral, darkly humorous, and supremely entertaining genre piece that feels both nostalgic and utterly fresh. It's an unapologetically wild ride that exemplifies his independent spirit, his genius for making audacious, genre-bending cinema, and his skill at creating enduringly cool anti-heroes who thrive in the most extreme circumstances. It's a pure, unadulterated blast that perfectly captures the raw, energetic, and inventive spirit that defines his best work.